“Hippocrates can, however, definitively orient the medical skill toward healing and away from elective wounding. He does so by means of speech before others, the Oath. Thereby, he founds the medical profession. For a profession is essentially a practice that follows upon, instances, and remains true to what before others one has said one will and will not do. Following Hippocrates’ lead, the physician-to-be solemnly commits himself exclusively to promoting the health of the sick.”
